HAMPTON, Va. – The Columbia softball team was defeated by Hampton, 7-2, in the final game of the Hampton Invitational on Sunday afternoon. The Lions have next weekend off before resuming play at the Hofstra Invitational from Mar. 14-16.

Columbia capitalized on a throwing error by the Pirates’ shortstop and Shelby Unger scored to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage in the second inning.

Hampton recorded three-straight hits in the bottom of the third to plate two runs and take the lead. The Pirates busted the game open in the fifth. McKalee Rouse reached after a dropped strike three and stole second base. Hampton put runners on second and third after a fielder’s choice allowed Diamond Ponds on the base paths. A sac fly brought in Rouse and Taylor McCoy posted a two-run double to make it 5-1.

In the bottom of the sixth, Hampton put two more runs on the board, but Columbia would not go down quietly.

Kayla Shimoda picked up her second hit of the afternoon followed by another single by Emily Snodgrass to place runners on the corners. Alix Cook hit a ball that the Pirates’ first baseman could not field cleanly to make it 7-2, but Jecholia Pratt induced a fly ball to seal the win.

Tonia Wu started the game in the circle and earned the decision (1-2). The first-year went 2.2 innings, giving up two runs on three hits and struck out five. Brooke Darling also fanned five batters in 3.1 innings out of the bullpen.